I want my own identity: Cheyenne Woods

Tiger woods’ niece is creating her own ‘putt’ing history on the golf course... the champ wants to emulate her uncle and etch her own name in the sport

Suave, stylish and adventurous! Cheyenne Woods is like any other youngster in their 20s. But her famous family name sets her apart. Ever since she walked onto a golf course as a kid, she has had TV cameras and photographers doggedly following her.

Cheyenne said she is used to the attention now. “I grew up having the spotlight on me because of my big second name. I’m used to the media now and people’s expectations,” said the niece of iconic golfer Tiger Woods. “I have always loved people watching me. I love the cameras following me and having to play under pressure.”

Born to non-golfers Susan Woods and Earl Dennison Woods Junior — Tiger’s half brother — comparisons with her famous uncle were inevitable. The 25-year-old confessed that she grew up watching Tiger but said she aims to make her own golfing identity.

“When I started playing at the age of five, he (Tiger) was already a star. He was very popular. I loved watching him on TV every weekend, so it was perfect timing for me getting into the game. I also used to attend junior clinics given by him. That is how I got addicted to the game,” the Phoenix-born said on her first visit to India for the Women’s Indian Open recently and feels “lucky to have visited historic sites around Delhi like the Qutub Minar and India Gate,” besides time spent shopping. “I am very close to my family and proud to be part of the Woods family, but want to make my own identity as a golfer. I believe the more I play, I can achieve that,” she said, adding that she was an all-rounder as a kid having played basketball, volleyball etc.

“But at the end of the day, golf was what I loved most.”For Cheyenne, it all began at the same garage where her famous uncle had started the game. But she admits it was her grandfather Earl, who was the biggest influence in her golfing career, not Tiger.

“I picked up my first club when I was three. My grandfather bought me my first set of clubs and set me up with lessons at about five and I’ve been playing ever since. I share a great bond with him,” said Cheyenne.

“His belief in me always motivates me and I often think about him on the course,” she added.When Cheyenne was three, her grandfather — then a talent scout — wrote to IMG citing her as a future star of the sport. And two decades later, his little grand-daughter is making waves with her golf talent.

Having won 30 tournaments as an amateur, she recorded her first professional win last year — the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters title win — in her rookie season on the Ladies European Tour.

However, Cheyenne — who enjoys hiking, ping pong and travelling — said earning her LPGA Tour card last December was one of her happiest moments.

“I had worked really hard for it. And it feels great,” said Cheyenne, who had an interest in pursuing a career in broadcasting.

She also added another feature to her name shooting a course record of nine-under 63 at the Manulife LPGA Classic in June, thus living up to her name. “It was fun. I played really solid throughout. I was talking the whole day and was very relaxed. I think that is one of those times when I play my best,” remembered Cheyenne whose card also had a 50-foot eagle putt.

Asked if she had thought about modelling as an alternate career — she is labelled as one of the most beautiful women in golf — the lanky youngster laughed it off.

“I like to look good on the course. If you feel good, you play good,” she believes.“Much like Serena (Williams), with my African connection, I hope to inspire youngsters to take up golf. I hope to inspire them with my game, and show them the opportunities the sport offers,” Cheyenne said of being the sixth African-American to play on the LPGA Tour.

She is now aiming for a successful career on the Tour. “I am taking steps towards my goal and try improving my game and hopefully getting there next year.”

The ambitious golfer is now out to make her first name “big” just like her second one.